Instructional Strategies: Constructivist Learning

Study Notes

Theory-Based Instructional Strategies

Constructivist Learning

Emphasizes learner-centered approach
Learners construct their own knowledge and meaning
Focus on active learning, exploration, and discovery
Teacher acts as a facilitator or coach
Learning is an active process of constructing knowledge rather than receiving information
Key concepts:
- Prior knowledge and experiences influence learning
- Learning is a social and cultural process
- Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflection

Learning is a result of observing and imitating others
People learn new behaviors and attitudes by observing and imitating others
Observational learning, modeling, and reinforcement are key concepts
Learning is a dynamic process involving reciprocal interactions between the learner, environment, and behavior
Key concepts:
- Observational learning: learning by observing others
- Modeling: learning by imitating others
- Reinforcement: consequences of behavior influence learning

Behavioral Learning Theory

Focus on observable behaviors and environmental factors
Learning is a result of associations between stimuli and responses
Key concepts:
- Classical conditioning: associative learning through pairing stimuli
- Operant conditioning: learning through consequences of behavior
- Reinforcement, punishment, and extinction shape behavior

Cognitive Learning Theory

Emphasizes mental processes and internal cognitive structures
Learning is an active process of information processing and storage
Key concepts:
- Information processing: encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
- Cognitive structures: mental frameworks and schemas influence learning
- Metacognition: thinking about one's own thinking and learning

Theory-Based Instructional Strategies

Constructivist Learning

Learner-centered approach emphasizes active learning, exploration, and discovery
Learners construct their own knowledge and meaning through experience and social interaction
Teacher acts as a facilitator or coach, guiding learners in exploring and discovering concepts
Prior knowledge and experiences influence learning, making it a unique and individualized process
Learning is a social and cultural process that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflection

Observing and imitating others leads to learning new behaviors and attitudes
Reciprocal interactions between learner, environment, and behavior shape the learning process
Key concepts include observational learning, modeling, and reinforcement
Observational learning occurs through observing others, while modeling involves imitating their behavior
Consequences of behavior, such as reinforcement, influence learning and future behavior

Behavioral Learning Theory

Focuses on observable behaviors and environmental factors that influence learning
Associations between stimuli and responses shape behavior
Classical conditioning involves associative learning through pairing stimuli
Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences of behavior
Reinforcement, punishment, and extinction are key concepts that shape behavior

Cognitive Learning Theory

Emphasizes mental processes and internal cognitive structures that influence learning
Information processing involves encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Cognitive structures, such as mental frameworks and schemas, impact learning and retention
Metacognition involves thinking about one's own thinking and learning, promoting self-awareness and reflection

Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of constructivist learning, a theory-based instructional strategy that emphasizes learner-centered approach, active learning, and critical thinking. Test your knowledge of key concepts, including the influence of prior knowledge and experiences on learning.